LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF ANNUAL $100,000 COMMUNITY GIFT PROGRAM

LIVERMORE, Calif., NOV. 4, 2013 -- Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS), the contract manager for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), has announced the recipients for the 2013 LLNS Community Gift Program. These gifts, totaling $100,000, reflect LLNS' commitment to local communities.

LLNS received 72 applications totaling more than $668,775 in requests. Twenty-four applications totaling $100,000 were selected for awards through a committee review process. The majority of these awards serve children in the Tri-Valley area and San Joaquin County, with a focus on science, math education, engineering and cultural arts.

"It was a true privilege for me to meet with some of the recipient organizations of this program, and learn more about the tremendous community impact they have already made," said Bret Knapp, acting LLNS president and LLNL director. "I am excited to see what lies ahead as they continue with these worthwhile efforts that benefit so many."

"It is an honor to be able to assist such deserving organizations," said Tom Gioconda, LLNL deputy director. "I am always impressed with the hard work and diversity recipient organizations represent. I am delighted to know these gifts will impact children, seniors, veterans, the homeless, the hungry and schools in our community. Because of their dedication to the causes they serve, these communities are better places to live and work."

Gioconda, along with Knapp, presented LLNS Community Gift Program awards to the following organizations:

Agape Villages Foster Family Agency, Enhanced Treatment Foster Care enhances the quality of life for foster children through enrichment activities.

Andrew Christensen Middle School, Engineering and Earth Sciences Classes provide students the opportunity to design and build remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and connect with scientists who use ROVs to explore the Antarctic waters.

Andrew Christensen Middle School, Ready Common Core Math Class Sets prepares students for the complex state assessment items and develops their critical thinking.

Center for Community Dispute Settlement provides Tri-Valley youth training and mediation services to help come to peaceful resolutions of conflict.

Contra Costa Economic Partnership, Presenting Sponsorship for the 2014 Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair inspires Contra Costa middle and high school students toward high-demand STEM careers, and provides a bridge between businesses and education.

Dublin Unified School District, Project Lead The Way promotes STEM education to Tri-Valley students through its Engineering and Design Academy and its feeder schools.

East Avenue Middle School, Design and Modeling class promotes STEM education to middle school students and engages their critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Emerson House provides transitional shelter to the homeless in Tracy, providing security, hope, encouragement to seek employment, and removing them from the streets.

Exceptional Needs Network provides a free overnight camp for special needs children in Livermore's Camp Arroyo.

Faith Network of the East Bay, Inc., Science Horizons Program supports the teaching and learning of fourth and fifth grade science in the Oakland Unified School District.

Fertile GroundWorks, Sustainable School Education Garden Project encourages, empowers and teaches high school students how to grow healthy, nutritious food for themselves and others, including those in need.

Granada High School, Biotechnology Program provides skill-based classes for students planning on pursuing advanced education and includes participation in the Waksman Student Scholarship Program.

John Baldwin Elementary School, STEM Strategy engages Danville students in hands on education and curriculum that highlights the relevance of science in real-world applications.

Liberty High School, AP Environmental Science/Calculus Classes engages students in science through a water quality-monitoring project, where students sample, analyze and interpret water quality chemistry data for Marsh Creek.

Livermore Veterans Foundation provides general and financial support to military veterans, foremost of which is support for student veterans at Las Positas College, Livermore.

Windemere Ranch Middle School, STEM Q&A: K-12 Science Trivia Program encourages students interested in STEM by providing a computerized trivia program rewarding students and an end-of-the-year competition.

World of Wonders Science Museum, STEM Outreach Education Program offers hands-on science-based exhibits and programs to disadvantaged schools within the San Joaquin County.

LLNS manages Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. LLNS is comprised of: Bechtel, the largest project management contractor in the United States; The University of California, the world's largest public research institution; BWX Technologies and Washington Division of URS Corporation, the top two DOE nuclear facilities contractors; and Battelle, a global leader in science and technology and technology commercialization. The team also includes Texas A&M University, which provides programs in homeland security and national security.